Students will explore the brain and its connection to learning while at the same time examining different views of intelligence. An anticipation guide will provide information about the students' views of intelligence before the unit begins. After completing the unit, students will complete the anticipation guide to determine any differences in their beliefs about intelligence. Students will design a newsletter about the brain or they will be given the choice of a different product to demonstrate their understanding. A neuroscience web newsletter from the University of Washington at Seattle will provide a model for the students as they create their own newsletter about the brain.
Curriculum Framing Questions
Essential Question
What are you thinking?
Unit Questions
What is intelligence?
How does the brain change over time?
How does thinking influence behavior?
Content Questions
How does a fixed mindset differ from a growth mindset?
What beliefs help in growing your intelligence?
What is the difference between learning for understanding and performing for grades?
What is the purpose of neurons in the brain?
Describe the difference between working memory and long term memory.
Real world connectionStudents will learn about the world of neuroscience as they investigate the brain through a neuroscience website. They will have the opportunity to communicate with neuroscientists through this website. Students will create a newsletter about the brain for a real-world audience of peers.
Title of Unit or Project
Neurons and All That Stuff
Grade Level and/or Subject Area
Fifth Grade AIG
Summary of Project
Students will explore the brain and its connection to learning while at the same time examining different views of intelligence. An anticipation guide will provide information about the students' views of intelligence before the unit begins. After completing the unit, students will complete the anticipation guide to determine any differences in their beliefs about intelligence. Students will design a newsletter about the brain or they will be given the choice of a different product to demonstrate their understanding. A neuroscience web newsletter from the University of Washington at Seattle will provide a model for the students as they create their own newsletter about the brain.
Curriculum Framing Questions
Essential Question
What are you thinking?
Unit Questions
What is intelligence?
How does the brain change over time?
How does thinking influence behavior?
Content Questions
How does a fixed mindset differ from a growth mindset?
What beliefs help in growing your intelligence?
What is the difference between learning for understanding and performing for grades?
What is the purpose of neurons in the brain?
Describe the difference between working memory and long term memory.
Real world connection Students will learn about the world of neuroscience as they investigate the brain through a neuroscience website. They will have the opportunity to communicate with neuroscientists through this website. Students will create a newsletter about the brain for a real-world audience of peers.
Unit plan
Anticipation Guide
Brainstorming Graphic Organizer
Introductory PowerPoint
Newsletter Rubric